2024/2025 Impact Report

 

  • Sustaining Dedication and Building Future Readiness

    The 2024/2025 operational year for the Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough (DSP) was characterized by profound dedication and the successful launch of foundational new programming, even as we navigated a planned shift in leadership. While the year was naturally quieter with our Executive Director, Vanessa Bruce, on maternity leave, the commitment of our board, members, and volunteers ensured that our core mission not only continued but also expanded.
    Workplace Readiness: Launch of Connections +

    he highlight of the year was the successful launch of our flagship workplace readiness program, Connections + (Life Skills Lab) In. This initiative is designed to provide members with critical, hands-on job skills in a supportive environment. We were thrilled to partner with a local favourite, Milk + Tea shop, Peterborough, to bring this program to life. Through this collaboration, our members actively participated in preparing and selling food items directly to the public from the shop. This partnership offered truly immersive, real world experience, significantly advancing our goals of promoting independence and employability within the Down syndrome community.


    Community Engagement and Fundraising Success

    Our fundraising efforts and community celebrations proved vital in strengthening our services and connections:

    • Boston Pizza Charity Night: We hosted a lively charity night at Boston Pizza Peterborough. The sale of Kids Cards during this event directly contributed to funding our essential programs and services. It was fantastic to see such a great turnout and so many familiar faces supporting the DSP mission.

    • World Down Syndrome Day Bowl-a-thon: In celebration of World Down Syndrome Day, the DSP community gathered for our annual Bowl-a-thon at Lakeview Bowl. This event remains a key highlight, bringing families together for celebration and awareness.

    • Capable Con: We were proud to be an active participant in Capable Con, hosted by the Counsel for Persons with Disabilities. This opportunity allowed us to collaborate and be immersed alongside many other wonderful agencies, reinforcing our commitment to community integration and advocacy.

      Looking Forward to a Stronger Year; While we successfully laid groundwork for major programs this year, the entire DSP community is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of our Executive Director, Vanessa Bruce, in September 2025. Her return marks the start of what we believe will be a bigger and better year ahead, allowing us to build upon the successes of Connections + In and expand our reach and impact across Peterborough. We extend our deepest gratitude to our volunteers, partners, and community members for their unwavering support during this transitional year. Your commitment is the foundation of our success.

  • Members message

    During a challenging time in my life, I found incredible support and connection through the Down Syndrome Association of Peterborough (DSP). As a new parent, I was navigating the complexities of caring for a child with Down Syndrome. The Wee Ups and Downs program enabled me to connect with other parents within the Down Syndrome community. When our daughter received a diagnosis of Down Syndrome, we were uncertain about the future. Connecting with other families through the DSP, I was able to see that our future would be bright and full of possibility.

    For our children, these connections are equally as important. The DSP provides a community where our kids can be included, gain confidence/skills and have fun. Connection is a powerful form of social capital, which has been essential for my family’s overall wellness. For my daughter, creating a network of peers greatly contributes to her health, happiness and sense of belonging.

    In Canada, about 1 in every 781 babies is born with Down syndrome, making it the most common chromosomal congenital anomaly. Despite this statistic, our organization, like many Down Syndrome Associations across Ontario, lack stable funding from the government. We rely heavily on donations and sporadic grants to sustain programs.

    With your support, you are investing in a community that empowers families, promotes early development, fosters lifelong friendships and belonging. With continued funding and support we can expand these vital programs, providing more families with connection and community.  

    -AB, DSP member since 2023